FOCUS ON DOFETILIDE - A SELECTIVE CLASS-III ANTIARRHYTHMIC AGENT

Dofetilide is a novel, selective class III antiarrhythmic agent currently in phase III clinical trials. Investigators have reported, dofetilide's efficacy in converting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter to sinus rhythm, in suppressing inducible ventricular tachycardia during programmed, electrical stimulation, and in preventing recurrences during long-term follow-up. Mild side effects such as headache, fatigue, and muscle cramps have been associated with dofetilide but torsade de pointes has also been reported. According to preliminary data, dofetilide appears to be a useful drug and will provide an additional choice in antiarrhythmic therapy once approved by the FDA.